Leukemia: Prompt diagnosis and expert care

A “leukemia” diagnosis can cause fear and uncertainty. It is a
life-altering event for both the patient and family.

Leukemia is a progressive cancer in which the bone marrow and other
blood-forming organs produce increased numbers of immature or abnormal
cells. Indeed, this diagnosis can bring profound changes and treating
leukemia is complex and demanding.

When people are diagnosed with acute leukemia, their world changes from
one moment to the next. One moment they were feeling well, the next they
are faced with a serious diagnosis requiring immediate intervention.

Every four minutes, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer, according to
the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and in 2015, there will be 54, 270
newly diagnosed cases of leukemia in the United States, according to the
American Cancer Society.

Changes in red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are what
cause the symptoms in leukemia. These symptoms include but are not
limited to: fatigue, shortness of breath, excessive bruising and
bleeding, fever and headache.

The only way to diagnosis leukemia is through a careful evaluation. The
evaluation must be prompt and comprehensive. Often this requires direct
admission to a hospital and evaluation by an oncologist. The accurate
diagnosis of leukemia is critical. Current testing methods to obtain
this diagnosis can be complex and timing is critical. Much of the
testing done today helps predict the course of treatment that each
individual patient needs to achieve the best outcomes. Oncologists and
hematologists that specialize in the treatment of patients with leukemia
will often have access to these specialized tests.

Treatment for acute leukemia typically requires an initial admission to
a hospital that can support the unique needs of leukemia patients.
Support services such as nursing, blood banks, nutritionists, therapists
and navigators help patients optimize their journey through
treatment. Although, the journey is complex and overwhelming, with
prompt diagnosis, focused treatment and specialized support patients
have a way towards survivorship.